The Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Monday signed an agreement
transferring ownership of 14 former parish elementary schools to an
independent non-profit school network that will operate them as Catholic
schools.
Brian McElwee, chairman of Independence Mission Schools, said July 15
that the initiative was intended “to preserve the unique value of
Catholic schools – an academically excellent, cost-effective,
values-based education.”
“This model is one that we believe will set the standard for urban
Catholic education nationwide and we are proud that Philadelphia is
where it begins,” added Al Cavalli, the school network’s president.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput signed the agreement with Independence
Mission Schools on July 15 at St. Gabriel School in Philadelphia.
Local business leaders formed the organization last year in response to
an archdiocesan commission that recommended dozens of school closures in
response to financial shortfalls and declining enrollment.
The model for the mission schools is based on North Philadelphia’s St. Martin de Porres school.
Independence Mission Schools said that business leaders managing that
school use best business practices to provide “a high-quality,
cost-effective education.” The school network aims to expand this model
to help Catholic schools in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Cavalli, who has 35 years experience as an administrator and executive
for education and mental health organizations, told the Philadelphia
Inquirer that the Catholic schools are “sanctuaries” in their
neighborhoods.
The schools have a total enrollment of 4,200 students from pre-K through
eighth grade, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. About 63 percent of
the enrolled students are non-Catholic.
The schools will continue to use the core curriculum of the Archdiocese
of Philadelphia and the archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Education will
provide some services. The mission schools can supplement the curriculum
if they choose.
McElwee said parents and students will not find many differences, noting that the same
teachers and other staff will return.
However, he said there may be “gradual change over time.”
McElwee said the system has seen “significant increases” in enrollment
and scholarships, but he urged more people to help support the system.
“The long-term success of Independence Mission Schools, and its role in
transforming lives and communities in Philadelphia’s most vulnerable
neighborhoods, depends on the support of the local business community,
civic leaders and individuals willing to donate their time and money,”
he said. “The momentum we have spurred in just the past year must be
sustained and we are committed to that end.”
The school system says it is the first organization to take full ownership of a group of Catholic elementary schools.
Last year 17 archdiocesan high schools and four special education
schools entered a management partnership with the Faith in the Future
Foundation.